Overview & Reviews

A relative newcomer to the American marketplace, Hyundai is a Korean automaker with a product line that has improved greatly over the past decade. Hyundai cars and SUVs provide a high level of content for an affordable price, and are currently backed by one of the industry's longest warranties.

In 1947, Chung Ju Yung founded the Hyundai Civil Engineering Company. Mere months later, the outfit was bombed in the Korean War. However, the company regained its footing to distinguish itself as one of Korea's leading construction enterprises during the 1950s.

By the late 1960s, Chung had turned his attention to the automobile industry. The Korean government at that time believed that it made more sense to import vehicles than produce them domestically, and had made its opinion known. Still, Chung opted to follow his own convictions, and in 1967, he founded the Hyundai Motor Company.

The company quickly established an alliance with one of the industry's oldest automakers, signing a two-year contract with Ford in 1968 to share assembly technology. Hyundai's first car, the Cortina, was created from that partnership. The manufacturer's first car to be designed and built in Korea was the compact Pony (although the car was based on Japanese technology courtesy of Mitsubishi). The vehicle made its debut in 1974, and the following year Hyundai began exporting it to overseas markets.

Hyundai entered the U.S. market in 1986 with the introduction of its subcompact Excel. The car was an immediate hit, with its supreme affordability being a primary selling point. More than 100,000 Excels were sold stateside in the first seven months. By 1988, Hyundai had begun to produce cars using its own technology. The midsize Sonata was the first fruit borne of this endeavor.

Unfortunately, Hyundai's nascent image was soon tarnished by the poor durability and reliability of its vehicles. Sales tanked. However, rather than abandon the American market in the '90s, Hyundai chose to invest heavily in new product designs and improvements in overall quality and reliability. In 1998, Hyundai also purchased Kia, another Korean automaker, to expand its business and economies of scale.

It all started to pay off by the start of the new millennium, with the 2001 Elantra in particular showing massive improvements in overall quality, reliability and performance. Other models followed suit and the desirability of Hyundai cars increased sharply. Providing an extraordinarily long warranty period didn't hurt either.

Today's lineup is indicative of Hyundai's complete turnaround. Hyundai has a vehicle for nearly every segment, including the economical Accent subcompact, the popular Elantra compact, the midsize Sonata sedan (also available as a hybrid), sporty Genesis and Veloster coupes and a couple of stylish SUVs. Hyundai has also expanded into the entry-level and premium-level luxury sedan markets with its Genesis and Equus sedans. Having gone from being the butt of late-night TV jokes in the 1980s to a well-respected manufacturer of quality vehicles, Hyundai has created a very inspiring rags-to-riches story.

User Reviews:

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  It just keeps getting better - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jazz290 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Elantra. I had a 97 wagon and that was a decent car, though it was definitely trailing the Civic/Corolla then. I still have it but the 03 is leaps and bounds better; and this time, its definitely Civic/Corolla material! I had a Focus ZX3 before this car and the Elantra is actually the better of the two! You cheated yourself if you didnt test drive this first!

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  Fantastic vehicle - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JM - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my Santa Fe! I owned a 2007 Toyota RAV 4 for a month and traded it in for this fantastic vehicle. I dont recommend doing that, though. Lost some money. Lots actually. Toyota more expensive, Santa Fe a better value.Test drove Honda CRV, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forester and Outback. Forget the rest and go right for the Santa Fe. It is built solidly, quiet, great ride. Radio has a great sound. I feel like Im in a more expensive car. Found headrest uncomfortable, but just turned it around.

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  One Great SUV - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jfrnarr - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The SUV drives like a car. The best price for the quality. We are very happy with our Santa Fe. It has lots of space for our kids, and it doesnt kill you on gas.

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  0ver 30 years loyal to Honda - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By A Hyundai are u sure - July 30 - 3:36 am

  The CEO of Honda said and I quote Hyundai is a awesome company . Hyundai is doing what Honda did 30 to 40 years ago making a great car at a fair price.

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  Watch out Honda, Toyota!!! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By dresport - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely all around great car. Smooth, yet aggressive when need be. I wish I had a nickel each time Ive received a compliment on it – I’d be rich! Buy one and I guarantee within a week you’ll be told it looks like a Jaguar. Gas mileage is better than expected and it handles better than my father-in-law’s Accord. Highly recommended, in case you can’t tell!!!

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  Dont need to pay a lot to get a luxury - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By JP - July 28 - 6:13 pm

  I never expected Hyundai putting out cars like Azera. I fell in love with my 07 Azera!

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  Bang for the Buck - 2004 Hyundai XG350
  By Mike Hoffman - July 27 - 2:30 pm

  Price for what you get is quite the bargain. Love the ride, sound system good, leather seats very comfortable. Trunk space is huge. Cant beat the warranty. Best buy for the price if you are looking for a little luxory in the mid 20"s!!

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  Best Buy - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Me - July 27 - 12:33 am

  Smooth acceleration, quick for a Hyundai. Seats are actually comfortable, as opposed Ford or a Camry where your legs go numb. Look out Japan

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  I love my car - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By happy hyundai owner - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has been my favorite car. I used to own a volkswagon jetta that cost nearly twice as much and gave me twice as many problems. i have never had a mechanical problem with my accent and it is easy to park, easy on gas, accelerates great, and is very sporty!

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  No automatic running lights?? - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Elaine - July 25 - 6:10 pm

  I am over all very pleased with my 2007 Sonata Limited...find it to be quite,comfortable, and a pleasure to drive. Gas milage as represented 21 miles to gallon, city driving,(no jumpstarts for me)